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Zebra and quagga mussels are invasive species that pose a serious threat to bodies of water, but none were detected in Saskatchewan in 2024.
According to the provincial environment ministry, tests of more than 450 samples taken from bodies of water across the province last year showed no signs of either species of mussel. No spiny waterfleas – another invasive species – were detected either.
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According to the ministry, aquatic invasive species are a major threat to the province’s waters.
“Invasive mussels continue to spread in many waters across North America, including waterbodies in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, as well as in 34 states including North Dakota and Minnesota,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Once established, these organisms are nearly impossible to eliminate. They can significantly affect aquatic habitat and fisheries and can cost the province millions of dollars each year to manage.”
“Our surveys confirm that Saskatchewan’s efforts to protect our lakes and rivers from (aquatic invasive species) have been successful,” Environment Minister Travis Keisig said in a statement.
The ministry’s proactive efforts to keep Saskatchewan’s waters free of invasive species saw more than 3,500 watercraft inspected last year.
“Ministry staff intercepted and decontaminated six watercraft carrying invasive zebra or quagga mussels and decontaminated more than 250 watercraft coming to Saskatchewan from high-risk areas infested with (aquatic invasive species) that were not properly cleaned, drained or dried,” the provincial government added.
“Our surveys confirm that Saskatchewan’s efforts to protect our lakes and rivers from AIS have been successful,” Travis Keisig, Saskatchewan’s environment minister, said in a statement.
Boaters can help prevent the potential transportation of invasive species by following clean-drain-dry protocols for watercraft and gear that comes in contact with the water before moving between any bodies of water, the ministry said.
Watercraft users were also advised to remove drain plugs on all watercraft during transport, and to stop at all roadside watercraft inspection stations or risk a $500 fine.